Political Notes: Gonzalez says Baker not even trying

HYANNIS — Jay Gonzalez, a Democratic gubernatorial hopeful, is the latest candidate to visit the Times to discuss a race already attracting attention more than a year before the primary.

During a 35-minute interview, Gonzalez said he is running against Republican Gov. Charlie Baker because he thinks Baker is not being effective and too often “sits on the sidelines” and does not take a stand on issues.

“I’m frustrated at how little Governor Baker has accomplished, and even more frustrated at how little he’s trying,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said he is a proponent of the graduated state income tax plan — or “millionaire tax” — single-payer health care, carbon pricing and a short-term-rental tax.

He said the Safe Communities Act, designed to protect the civil rights of immigrants and keep local resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement, is “absolutely the right thing to do.”

He also jabbed Baker for not doing enough to help with the H-2B visa issues for temporary foreign workers that are creating a labor shortage on the Cape and Islands and could lead to economic consequences in the region.

“I haven’t heard the governor do anything,” he said. “If I were governor, this is an issue I would be jumping up and down and screaming about."

If elected, Gonzalez said, he would not ignore regions outside Greater Boston, such as Western Massachusetts and the Cape and Islands.

“I will be governor for the entire state,” he said. “That’s important to me.”

Gonzalez formerly served as secretary of administration and finance for Gov. Deval Patrick and has worked as a partner in a Boston law firm and as a health care insurance executive.

Two other Democrats have announced their bids for the corner office on Beacon Hill: Newton Mayor Setti Warren and environmentalist and entrepreneur Robert Massie.

Baker has yet to announce a run for re-election, but he will be on the Cape next week for a fundraiser.

The event, with Barnstable County Sheriff James Cummings and Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe as co-chairmen, is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m. June 28 at the Ridge Club in Sandwich.

Contributions of $500 or $1,000 are requested. RSVP to jw@MassGOP.com.

• • •

Appearing to put to rest rumors he will not seek a fifth term, state Rep. Randy Hunt, R-Sandwich, has announced his re-election kickoff event — 2½ months in advance.

The event is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Pilot House Restaurant & Lounge in Sandwich.

Meanwhile, Barnstable County Commissioner Ronald Beaty Jr., who was involved in a parking dispute with Hunt earlier this month, continues to drop hints that he will challenge Hunt in the 2018 Republican primary in the 5th Barnstable District.

“I am now exploring the town of Plymouth, Precinct 9 … becoming familiar with the 5th Barnstable House District,” Beaty tweeted Saturday.

The 5th Barnstable District includes parts of Plymouth, Bourne, Barnstable and all of Sandwich.

• • •

A reception honoring state Rep. Sarah Peake, D-Provincetown, is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Truro Vineyards in North Truro.

Suggested contributions range from $50 to $1,000 and can be made online at sarahpeake.org/donate.

U.S. Rep. William Keating, D-Mass., is honorary chairman of the event.

• • •

State Rep. Geoff Diehl, R-Whitman, who is exploring a run against U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., in 2018 will be in Wellfleet on Thursday.

A fundraising event in support of his potential candidacy will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at Bocce Italian Grill on Route 6.

More information can be obtained by calling 781-279-1197.

— Follow Geoff Spillane on Twitter: @GSpillaneCCT. Items for the Political Notes column may be sent to gspillane@capecodonline.com.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.